How to Get EU Citizenship (The Ultimate 2025 Guide)

EU citizenship grants you rights across all 27 EU member states, plus the European Economic Area (EEA) countries and Switzerland. This means your freedom of movement extends to 31 countries in total. Let’s find out how to get EU citizenship in 2025. 

There are four primary paths to EU citizenship:

1. Descent: Claiming citizenship through European ancestors
2. Marriage: Becoming a citizen through a spouse who is already an EU national
3. Residency: Living legally in an EU country until eligible for naturalization
4. Investment: Obtaining residency or citizenship through significant financial contribution

The timeline varies dramatically – from just 12 months (marriage in Spain) to over 10 years (naturalization in some countries). Your optimal path depends on your personal circumstances, financial resources, and timeline.

This guide cuts through the complexity to give you a clear roadmap. After guiding hundreds of people to secure EU citizenship since 2020, we’ve learned what works, what doesn’t, and how to avoid costly mistakes.

In short: EU citizenship offers unparalleled advantages in an increasingly unpredictable world.

What is EU Citizenship and Why Is It Valuable?

EU citizenship is not a standalone status you can apply for directly. Instead, it automatically comes with citizenship of any EU member state. When you become a citizen of Portugal, Germany, or any other EU country, you simultaneously gain EU citizenship with all its associated rights.

Created in 1992 with the Maastricht Treaty, this status confers a powerful set of rights that go far beyond mere travel privileges:

• Freedom of movement: Live, work, and retire anywhere in the EU/EEA or Switzerland without needing visas or work permits
• Equal treatment: Access the same rights as local nationals in employment, social benefits, and tax advantages
• Voting rights: Participate in European Parliament elections and local elections wherever you reside in the EU
• Healthcare access: Use national healthcare systems through the European Health Insurance Card
• Consular protection: Receive embassy assistance from any EU country when traveling outside the Union
• Education opportunities: Study at any EU university while paying the same fees as local students

The practical value of these rights is substantial. A Portuguese passport, for example, grants visa-free access to 188 countries worldwide. Beyond travel, however, EU citizenship provides genuine security – a permanent right to relocate your life, career, or retirement to any of 31 advanced economies.

Recent statistics from Eurostat show applications for citizenship in EU countries have risen by 30% since 2020, with notable increases from UK, US, and Chinese applicants. This surge reflects the growing recognition of an EU passport as both a financial asset and an insurance policy against political or economic instability.

For many applicants, the most compelling benefit is generational. Once acquired, citizenship of an EU country can typically be passed to your children and grandchildren, securing their freedom of movement regardless of future political developments.

The 4 Main Pathways to EU Citizenship

Getting citizenship of an EU member state, and thus EU citizenship, requires a fair amount of strategic planning. Each pathway has distinct eligibility criteria, timelines, and costs.

1. Citizenship by Descent (Ancestry)

If you have European ancestors, this is typically the fastest and least expensive route:

• Italy offers citizenship through descent with no generational limit. Your Italian ancestor could have emigrated in the 1800s, and you might still qualify. The key limitation: citizenship typically passes through the paternal line prior to 1948.
• Ireland extends citizenship to those with Irish-born grandparents. Those with Irish great-grandparents may qualify for the Foreign Birth Registry, allowing their children to claim Irish citizenship.
• Hungary, Poland, and Lithuania offer citizenship to descendants of citizens from their historical territories. These programs often require proving ethnic or cultural ties.
• Portugal recently expanded citizenship access for grandchildren of Portuguese citizens who can demonstrate connections to Portuguese culture.

Documentation requirements typically include birth certificates, marriage certificates, and death certificates linking you to your European ancestor. Most countries require these documents to be apostilled or legalized.

2. Citizenship by Marriage

Marriage to an EU citizen can provide an accelerated path to citizenship:

• Spain offers the fastest timeline – just one year of marriage and residence.
• Portugal requires three years of marriage to a Portuguese citizen.
• France requires four years of marriage, with reduced residency requirements.
• Germany requires two years of marriage and three years of residence.

Most countries have implemented anti-fraud measures, requiring proof of a genuine relationship and often joint residency. Some countries, like the Netherlands, may require renunciation of your original citizenship even when acquiring it through marriage.

3. Citizenship by Residency (Naturalization)

This path requires legally residing in an EU country until you meet the minimum time period for naturalization:

• Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Finland, France, Sweden, Portugal, and Ireland: 5 years
• Germany: 8 years (reduced to 6-7 years in certain cases)
• Italy and Spain: 10 years
• Cyprus: 7 years

Naturalization usually requires demonstrating language proficiency, integration into the society, and financial stability. The residency period typically begins only after receiving your residency permit, not from the first day of arrival.

4. Citizenship by Investment

Several EU countries offer investment-based paths to citizenship:

• Malta offers citizenship after 36 months of residency with a €750,000 contribution, €700,000 investment, and property purchase/rental.
• Bulgaria has a fast-track option requiring approximately €1 million investment and offering citizenship in about 18 months.

For residency leading to citizenship through investment:

• Portugal’s Golden Visa requires a €500,000 investment in Portuguese funds, scientific research or job creation, with minimal physical presence requirements (7 days per year).
• Greece’s Golden Visa requires a €250,000 real estate investment with a seven-year path to citizenship.
• Spain’s Golden Visa requires a €500,000 real estate investment with a ten-year naturalization timeline (although the program will shut down in April 2025)

These investment programs face increasing scrutiny from EU authorities, making them less stable long-term strategies than other pathways.

First Step: Getting EU Residency

If you plan to get EU citizenship through years of residency, then the first step is to establish legal residency in your target country. This critical first step determines your entire citizenship journey. Let’s look at what the various options involve.

Employment-Based Residency

Traditional employment remains a solid path to residency:

• Requires securing a job offer from an EU employer
• Typically needs employer sponsorship for a work permit
• May require proving your skills are in demand or cannot be filled by EU nationals
• Often leads to permanent residency after 3-5 years of continuous employment

Finding work as a non-EU citizen can be challenging. EU employers tend to hire from within the EU first, unless you have specialist skills that are in demand or difficult to source locally. In many cases, you’ll also need to be competent in the local language.

Self-Employment Pathways

Many EU countries offer residency for entrepreneurs and freelancers:

• Portugal’s D2 Visa: For entrepreneurs establishing a business
• Germany’s Freelancer Visa: Popular among digital professionals
• Spain’s Autonomo Visa: For self-employed individuals

Setup requirements vary significantly. Spain and Belgium have particularly bureaucratic processes for setting up as self-employed, making some countries more accessible than others for this pathway.

Passive Income/Remote Work Residency

For those with stable external income:

• Portugal’s D7 Visa: Requires approximately €860 per month in passive income
• Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa: Requires around €2,500 monthly income
• Italy’s Elective Residence: Requires about €2,600 monthly income
• Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa: For remote workers earning 4x the Portuguese minimum wage

These visas typically require proving sufficient income to support yourself without taking local jobs. Portugal’s D7 visa stands out as one of the best options for those with passive income seeking a viable path to EU residency.

Investment Programs

Golden Visa programs in Europe offer the chance to gain residency through making a significant investment. Here are some of the most popular programs:

• Portugal: €500,000 in investment funds, scientific research or job creation (real estate no longer qualifies)
• Greece: €250,000 in real estate
• Spain: €500,000 in real estate (but program closes in April 2025)
• Italy: €500,000 investment in Italian companies or government bonds

These programs often feature reduced physical presence requirements. For example, Portugal’s Golden Visa requires only 7 days per year of physical presence, making it ideal for those who cannot immediately relocate.

Practical Requirements for Residency

Most residency permits require:

• Proof of income: Bank statements showing sufficient funds
• Health insurance: Comprehensive coverage in your destination country
• Clean criminal record: Police clearance certificates
• Accommodation: Proof of housing arrangements
• Visa application: Submitted at the country’s consulate in your home country

The income requirement is particularly important. Economically inactive residents who want to stay longer than three months must have health insurance and sufficient resources to avoid becoming what immigration authorities consider an “unreasonable burden” on the social system.

Choosing the Right Country

When selecting your residency destination, consider:

• Citizenship timeline: Countries like Portugal offer citizenship after 5 years, while Spain requires 10
• Language requirements: Some countries like Ireland (for English speakers) have easier linguistic barriers
• Dual citizenship policies: Countries like Austria typically require renunciation of your original citizenship, while others, like Portugal or France, allow you to keep it
• Physical presence requirements: Some countries require near-continuous residence while others (like Portugal with the Golden Visa) require minimal stays per year
• Tax implications: Tax residency can vary significantly between countries

In most cases, becoming a citizen of an EU country takes anywhere from one year to over ten years. The length of time depends on the individual country’s rules and which path to citizenship you choose.

Selecting the right residency pathway establishes the foundation for your future citizenship application, making this perhaps the most important decision in your journey to becoming an EU citizen.

Language Requirements for EU Citizenship

Language proficiency requirements are one of the biggest barriers to acquiring EU citizenship. Each country sets its own standards, with requirements ranging from basic communication to near-native fluency.

Understanding Language Proficiency Levels

EU countries use the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) to measure language ability. This standardized framework includes six levels:

• A1 represents the most basic ability to understand familiar expressions and phrases
• A2 demonstrates capacity for simple communication in routine situations
• B1 allows handling most situations in areas where the language is spoken
• B2 enables fluent interaction with native speakers
• C1 indicates expressive fluency without searching for words
• C2 represents near-native comprehension and expression

Comparative Language Requirements Table

Country	Required Level	Testing Method	Exemptions
Portugal	A2	CIPLE exam or certificate from recognized language school	Applicants from Portuguese-speaking countries; over age 60 and who are mentally-handicapped, illiterate, or seriously ill
Spain	A2	DELE exam and knowledge test (CCSE)	Spanish-speaking country nationals; special educational needs
Germany	B1	Recognized language certificates or integration course	German university graduates; severe illness or disability
France	B1	TCF or DELF exam	Over 60; disability; French degree holders
Italy	B1	CELI, CILS, or PLIDA exam	Over 65; serious health conditions
Netherlands	A2	Civic integration exam (Inburgeringsexamen)	Serious medical conditions; Dutch education
Belgium	A2 (varies by region)	Regional language tests	Medical conditions; Belgian education
Austria	B1	ÖIF Integration Test	Serious health conditions; advanced age
Luxembourg	B1 speaking, A2 listening (Luxembourgish)	Sproochentest	Residents since before 1984; special needs
Ireland	None (English sufficient)	No formal test	N/A
Sweden	No formal test	Evaluated during application	Nordic citizens; certain age groups

Preparing for Language Exams

Study Options

Official language schools provide a structured pathway to certification. Government-backed institutions like Instituto Cervantes for Spanish or Goethe-Institut for German offer courses specifically designed for citizenship requirements. Certificates from these schools typically receive automatic recognition in citizenship applications.

Private language tutoring delivers personalized instruction tailored to citizenship requirements. While generally more expensive, one-on-one tutoring often accelerates progress and targets specific weaknesses. Many tutors specialize in citizenship preparation and understand the nuances of language tests.

Online courses serve as valuable supplements but rarely suffice on their own. Platforms like Babbel and Duolingo build foundations efficiently, but conversational practice remains essential.

Immersion programs offer the fastest route to proficiency but require a significant time commitment. Living in the target country while studying accelerates learning through constant exposure. Many language schools offer intensive citizenship preparation courses combining classroom instruction with real-world practice.

Testing and Certification

Most EU countries accept specific language exams for citizenship applications.

• Portugal requires the CIPLE exam for A2 level certification
• Spain uses the DELE system with citizenship applicants needing A2 level
• Germany accepts various certificates including the Goethe-Zertifikat at B1 level
• France requires the DELF or TCF at B1 level for naturalization.

The certification process typically involves testing four skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Speaking components often cause the most difficulty for non-native speakers. Some countries weight conversational ability more heavily than written skills.

Strategic Approach to Language Learning

Focus on the language of your target citizenship country rather than dividing attention between multiple languages. Language acquisition requires consistent effort over time, typically 12-18 months to reach A2 level from scratch. Begin language studies early in your residency period to make sure you have sufficient preparation time.

Familiarize yourself with the specific test format used for citizenship applications. Practice with previous exams to understand question patterns and time constraints. Language schools offering citizenship-specific courses typically include mock exams and targeted preparation.

Document your progress throughout the learning process and keep certificates from intermediate courses and language schools, as these can sometimes substitute for formal exams or demonstrate good-faith efforts to immigration authorities.

Countries with Minimal Language Requirements

For those concerned about language acquisition barriers, several EU countries offer more accessible requirements. Ireland stands out with no formal language test, as English proficiency suffices. Sweden requires no standardized test, though the authorities will evaluate Swedish ability during the application process.

Portugal, the Netherlands, and Spain require only A2 level proficiency, representing basic communication ability rather than fluency. This level typically requires 250-350 hours of study for English speakers. Malta’s citizenship by investment program features no language requirement whatsoever, though this pathway has significant financial barriers.

Special Considerations

Age-based exemptions exist in many countries, with applicants over 60 or 65 often facing reduced requirements or complete exemptions. Those who studied in the country’s educational system may qualify for exemptions based on their academic credentials. Documented learning disabilities or health issues can qualify for modified testing conditions or exemptions in most EU countries.

The Dual Citizenship Conundrum

Importantly, not all EU countries permit dual citizenship. This creates a critical decision point for anyone pursuing naturalization – must you renounce your original nationality to get EU citizenship?

Countries Allowing Dual Citizenship

Many EU member states fully allow dual nationality without restrictions:

Portugal permits multiple citizenships without limitations, making it particularly attractive for those unwilling to renounce their original nationality. France, Ireland, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Sweden, and Malta similarly allow unrestricted dual citizenship. Italy allows dual nationality and even extends citizenship through ancestry with no generational limit.

Luxembourg reformed its nationality law in 2017 to permit dual citizenship, removing a significant barrier to naturalization. Finland fully permitted dual citizenship in 2003 after years of restrictions. Greece allows dual citizenship with some administrative complexity but no fundamental barriers.

Countries Restricting Dual Citizenship

Other EU nations maintain stricter policies. For example, Spain generally requires renunciation of your previous nationality, with exceptions for citizens of Latin American countries, Andorra, Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, and Portugal.

The Netherlands enforces renunciation requirements with specific exemptions for spouses of Dutch citizens and refugees. Austria maintains among the strictest policies, requiring renunciation except in rare special circumstances.

Germany historically required renunciation but enacted a major reform in 2024. This now permits dual citizenship for all naturalization applicants. It represents a significant policy shift and exemplifies the evolving nature of citizenship laws across Europe.

Exceptions and Special Cases

Citizenship through descent or marriage often allows dual citizenship even in countries that otherwise prohibit it. Children born to parents of different nationalities typically maintain both citizenships even in restrictive countries. Refugees may receive exemptions from renunciation requirements due to potential persecution in their country of origin.

Some countries maintain bilateral agreements permitting dual citizenship with specific nations. Citizens of EU countries naturalizing in another EU state often receive easier paths to maintaining dual nationality than non-EU citizens.

Practical Implications of Dual Citizenship

Tax Considerations

Dual citizenship can create complex tax situations. The United States taxes citizens regardless of residence, potentially creating double taxation issues for US citizens who naturalize elsewhere without renouncing American citizenship. Other countries tax based on residency rather than citizenship, simplifying matters for dual citizens living outside their country of citizenship.

Tax treaties between countries often mitigate double taxation, but compliance requirements remain. Dual citizens may need to file tax declarations in multiple jurisdictions even when no tax is ultimately owed.

Travel and Identity Documents

Dual citizens should enter and exit each citizenship country using that country’s passport. Using the wrong passport can create confusion at border control and occasionally legal complications. When traveling to third countries, choosing which passport to use depends on visa requirements and travel privileges.

Some countries maintain exit controls requiring citizens to use their passport when departing, regardless of dual nationality status. Understanding these requirements prevents you running into complications at border crossings.

Military Service and Voting

Compulsory military service exists in several EU countries, potentially affecting dual citizens. Finland, Austria, Greece, and Cyprus maintain some form of conscription (and there’s a growing trend towards increased militarization). As a dual citizen, you may face service obligations if you establish residency in these countries, though bilateral agreements sometimes provide exemptions.

Voting rights and obligations vary significantly. Some EU member states make voting mandatory for citizens (Belgium, Bulgaria, Luxembourg, Cyprus and Greece), while others restrict voting rights for non-resident citizens after certain periods. Dual citizens should understand their voting rights and responsibilities in both countries.

Government Employment and Security Clearances

Certain government positions, particularly those involving national security, may be restricted to sole citizens in some countries. Dual citizens sometimes face limitations on diplomatic roles, military officer positions, or high-security clearance jobs. These restrictions vary significantly between countries and specific roles.

Making the Decision

The choice to maintain or renounce original citizenship involves weighing several factors.

First, don’t underestimate your emotional connection to your country of birth and cultural identity. Many naturalization applicants report that the psychological aspect of renunciation proves more difficult than they anticipated.

Also, practical considerations include travel convenience to your home country, property rights, inheritance laws, and family connections. Some countries restrict property ownership or inheritance for non-citizens, potentially affecting those who renounce.

And lastly, your future plans matter significantly. If you intend to return to your country of origin eventually, maintaining your existing citizenship simplifies matters considerably. If either country is politically unstable, then it’s a good idea to maintain your dual citizenship as insurance whenever possible.

For those facing mandatory renunciation, the timing becomes critical. Complete the citizenship process in your new country before initiating renunciation to avoid complications if your naturalization application fails.

Recent Trends

The global trend moves toward greater acceptance of dual citizenship. Germany’s 2024 reform to allow dual nationality reflects a broader recognition of transnational lives and identities. Similar liberalizations have occurred in recent decades across Europe.

Increased global mobility drives this trend, with more people living transnational lives spanning multiple countries. Economic integration and political cooperation, particularly within the EU, continue to reduce concerns about divided loyalties that historically motivated restrictions on dual nationality.

Understanding the dual citizenship policy of your target country should factor prominently in your citizenship planning. If you’re unable or unwilling to renounce your original citizenship, then it will affect which EU countries offer viable options for you to naturalize.

Admin and Documentation Requirements

On top of residency periods and language tests, EU citizenship applications also require you to fulfil a number of documentation and administrative procedures. Each country has specific requirements, but certain elements remain consistent throughout the EU.

Core Documentation Requirements

All EU citizenship applications typically require:

Personal Identification

Valid passport, birth certificate (apostilled or legalized), and proof of current immigration status form the foundation of any application. Birth certificates often need to be recent issues (within 3-6 months) rather than long-held copies.

Residency Documentation

Proof of legal residency for the required period is essential. This includes all residence permits held during the qualifying period and registration certificates from local authorities. In most cases, the citizenship timeline officially begins when you receive your residency permit, making these documents critical for establishing your eligibility.

Clean Criminal Record

Police clearance certificates from both your country of citizenship and any EU country where you’ve resided are mandatory. Most countries require certificates not only from your home country but from all countries where you’ve lived for more than 6-12 months.

Proof of Integration

Evidence of community ties, voluntary activities, and social integration can all help to strengthen applications. Some countries have formalized integration requirements beyond language, such as civics tests or proof of community participation. EU countries with written civics tests include the Netherlands, Austria, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Latvia, and Lithuania, while Spain, Greece and Hungary have oral versions.

Typical Application Process Overview

The citizenship application process typically follows these stages:

1. Pre-application assessment: Verify eligibility and compile required documentation.
2. Interview and testing: Complete any required citizenship interviews or tests.
3. Document preparation: Obtain, translate, and legalize all required certificates and evidence.
4. Application submission: File the application with the designated authority, which varies by country, for example:
   • Portugal: Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado (IRN)
   • Spain: Civil Registry
   • France: Prefecture
   • Germany: Local naturalization offices
5. Waiting period: Applications typically take 12-36 months to process, depending on the country and current backlogs.
6. Citizenship ceremony: Many countries require attendance at a formal ceremony.
7. Passport application: After receiving citizenship, apply for your new EU passport.

Practical Challenges and Solutions

Document Authentication

Birth certificates and other official documents typically require apostille certification (for Hague Convention countries) or legalization. This multi-step process often involves both the issuing country’s foreign ministry and the embassy of your target EU country. It can be expensive and time-consuming.

Translations

All non-local language documents require certified translations by authorized translators. In most cases, these professional translations must stick to specific formats recognized by immigration authorities and can’t be done by the applicant.

Name Discrepancies

Minor variations in name spelling across documents create significant complications. We recommend that you address these proactively by obtaining official certificates confirming that the different spellings refer to the same person.

Processing Delays

Current processing times often exceed official guidelines. Portugal has experienced particularly significant delays, with citizenship applications sometimes taking 24-36 months rather than the official 12-month target.

Application Support

While not legally required, many applicants engage immigration lawyers or specialized services. Professional support makes sure your application is complete and helps navigate administrative complexities.

Children and Family Applications

Applications for minor children typically follow simplified procedures. Children born in an EU country to non-EU parents often qualify for citizenship through different mechanisms than adults:

• Those born to legal residents with stable status may qualify for citizenship at birth or through declaration
• Children acquiring residency with parents often face reduced naturalization requirements
• Adoptive children of EU citizens generally receive streamlined pathways to citizenship

Family applications can sometimes be processed together, though each family member must individually meet requirements. Some countries offer reduced residency requirements for spouses and children of applicants.

Example Costs

Application fees vary significantly between countries:

• Portugal: Approximately €250 per adult applicant
• Spain: Approximately €100 plus additional fees for required tests
• Germany: €255 for adults, reduced fees for children and low-income applicants
• France: €55 application stamp fee plus costs for required certificates

Beyond official fees, budget for document legalization, translations, language courses, testing fees, and potential legal support. The total cost typically ranges from €1,000-3,000 depending on the country and your specific circumstances.

The comprehensive documentation and administrative requirements should not discourage applicants. Yes, it can be demanding, but in most cases, with proper preparation and patience, you can successfully get EU citizenship.

Your Path to EU Citizenship in 2025

The journey to EU citizenship is highly individualized. Your optimal pathway depends on your ancestry, language abilities, financial resources, lifestyle flexibility, and objectives.

Some will find Portugal’s Golden Visa with minimal residency requirements ideal, while others might discover Italian ancestry that provides a direct citizenship claim. Each situation calls for a careful assessment of your specific circumstances.

No matter which path you pursue, proper planning dramatically improves your chances of success. Begin by thoroughly researching your target country’s requirements, particularly regarding residency periods, language proficiency, and dual citizenship policies.

Stay Informed on EU Citizenship Developments

Immigration policies across Europe are constantly evolving. Recent years have seen significant changes, from Germany’s expansion of dual citizenship to Portugal’s Golden Visa modifications. Staying current with these developments helps make sure that your citizenship strategy remains viable.

The Digital Émigré newsletter provides regular updates on EU citizenship pathways, residency programs, and policy changes that might affect your journey. Our team of immigration experts monitors developments across all EU member states to provide timely, actionable information.

Join thousands of future EU citizens who receive our monthly updates on:

• Policy changes affecting residency and citizenship programs
• New pathways and opportunities as they emerge
• Documentation and application strategies
• Country-specific guides and comparisons
• Success stories and practical tips from those who’ve completed the journey

The path to EU citizenship may seem complex, and indeed it can be. But with proper guidance and preparation, it’s an achievable goal for those committed to the process. We look forward to supporting you on this transformative journey.

Sign up today and take the first step toward your European future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if my citizenship application is rejected?

Citizenship rejections typically include specific reasons for denial. Common grounds include insufficient residence periods, language test failures, or documentation issues. Most countries allow reapplication after addressing the identified deficiencies.

Rejections rarely affect your existing residency status, though they may delay your path to citizenship. Appeal processes exist in most countries, though success typically requires addressing substantive issues rather than procedural complaints.

Working with experienced immigration counsel significantly reduces rejection risks by ensuring complete applications and proper documentation. If rejection occurs, professional guidance on remediation strategies proves particularly valuable.

Can I apply for citizenship in multiple EU countries simultaneously?

While legally possible in some cases, pursuing citizenship in multiple EU countries simultaneously creates practical complications and potential conflicts.

Each naturalization process requires substantial time investment for residency, language learning, and documentation. Meeting physical presence requirements for multiple countries simultaneously is nearly impossible unless the countries have minimal presence requirements.

If discovered, multiple simultaneous applications could trigger suspicion about your genuine integration and connection to either country. The more prudent approach is to focus on the most suitable country based on your personal circumstances.

How does Brexit affect EU citizenship applications for British citizens?

Since Brexit, UK citizens no longer benefit from EU freedom of movement rights. British nationals must now follow the same residency and citizenship procedures as other non-EU nationals.

Ireland remains the most accessible option for most UK citizens, who can live and work there without visas under the Common Travel Area agreement. After five years of residence, they can apply for Irish citizenship.

Other EU countries now require Britons to obtain residency permits before the citizenship clock starts ticking. The loss of automatic residence rights has significantly complicated the path to EU citizenship for UK nationals who hadn’t established residency before Brexit was finalized.

Can my children or parents benefit from my EU citizenship?

Minor children typically receive citizenship automatically when their parent naturalizes, though procedures vary by country. Adult children generally must qualify independently, though having an EU citizen parent may simplify certain residency pathways.

Parents of EU citizens often qualify for family reunification residency permits but must complete standard naturalization requirements. Some countries offer accelerated naturalization for elderly parents of citizens.

Extended family members (siblings, adult children, etc.) rarely benefit directly from your citizenship, though your status may help them obtain visitor visas or, in some cases, family-based residency permits with standard paths to naturalization.